Steve Jobs’ 3 Powerful Questions That Will Change Your Life at Any Age

In a 2005 commencement speech at Stanford University, Steve Jobs shared three profound questions that he believed could guide people to live a more fulfilling life, regardless of their age.¹

The co-founder of Apple, battling pancreatic cancer then, emphasized the importance of pursuing one’s passions and living each day as if it were the last.

By honestly answering these questions, we can clarify what truly matters and make the necessary changes to lead a more authentic and purposeful existence.

Am I living the life that I want and doing the work that I want to do?

Jobs urged his audience to reflect on whether they were living the life they truly wanted and doing the work they loved. 

He believed facing mortality was the most effective tool for making significant life choices, as it stripped away all superficial concerns, leaving only what was genuinely important.

In the face of his looming death, Jobs began to live each day as if it were his last, recognizing the preciousness of time and the importance of using it wisely. 

By asking ourselves if we are living the life we want, we can identify areas where we may be compromising our dreams and take steps to realign our priorities.

If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?

Jobs shared that he asked himself this question every morning while looking in the mirror. He knew it was time for a change if the answer was “no” for too many consecutive days. 

This powerful question forces us to confront the reality of our choices and assess whether our daily actions align with our deepest values and aspirations.

Regularly checking in with ourselves can ensure we use our time effectively on activities that don’t bring us joy or fulfillment. 

If our answer is consistently “no,” it may be a sign that we need to change, whether in our career, relationships, or personal pursuits.

Am I doing what I love?

Jobs emphasized the importance of finding and pursuing one’s passion, stating that the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. 

He encouraged his audience to keep searching until they found what they loved, which would be the key to living a fulfilling life.

When we engage in work that aligns with our passions and values, we experience a sense of purpose and drive that fuels our motivation and resilience. 

By asking ourselves if we are doing what we love, we can identify opportunities to incorporate more of our passions into our daily lives, whether through our careers, hobbies, or volunteer work.

The Power of Self-Reflection

Jobs’ three questions are a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. 

Regularly asking ourselves these questions and assessing our answers can clarify what matters most to us and make the necessary changes to live a more authentic and fulfilling life.

As we navigate life’s challenges and uncertainties, we must remember that our time is limited and that we have the power to shape our destinies. 

Living each day with intention, pursuing our passions, and staying true to ourselves can create a rich life of meaning, purpose, and joy.

Source:

1. Stanford Report